Re: Interlude in Rotter #2
Elwood nods to Anthony at his suggestion. "I might imply your magical powers are a bit more than they are, and those who have crossed you did not fare well."
Elwood then goes out on a shopping spree, buying a plain medium-sized wooden shield, an plain tunic, 20 feet of chain, 2 padlocks, a metal file, and a metal saw, a total 64 gp. He then works with Hugh and Dreya, weakening links in the chain so they can come apart easily (cut one end of a link with the saw, then file a notch in the other end so it can open and close). Their hands will be wrapped in chain, then secured by the padlocks, but this is only for show. For each 'slave', there will be a couple of links that are altered, so they can quickly get out of their binds. There's plenty of chain, so Elwood makes sure Hugh and Dreya practice several times.
"Cole and I will always be by your side. You're valuable merchandise," he says with a wink, "so it would be expected that we wouldn't just hand you over."
To Cole he says "If things go south, I'll guard them, or lead them to someplace safe so they can quickly get out of their chains." He then shows everyone where he'll keep the keys to the padlocks. "In the heat of the moment, even the best plans go awry." If the padlocks come with a set of two keys, he will give each spare to Hugh and Dreya to hide on their person. Elwood scratches a mark on one padlock to distinguish the two locks, making sure that the two captives will have the correct key.